5 Things to Make Your Thanksgiving Holiday Extraordinary

I don’t know about you, but on one hand, it seems like yesterday we were celebrating our First Thanksgiving at The House on High Street. It was a success, and Scott and I had a lot of fun doing it. (I’m considering doing another Facebook LIVE series throughout the holiday season, so you’ll have to keep watch for that on Facebook.) As much as Pinterest, sometimes, overwhelms me- I remember finding some pretty extraordinary ideas on there. Such as these personalized place settings, that I made last year.

I’m already thinking up some ways to make this Thanksgiving even more extraordinary, than last year. I figured I’d share some ideas with you.

5 Things to Make Your Thanksgiving Holiday Extraordinary

1.) Invite or Include someone NEW

There are people (probably, more than we think) who have no plans on Thanksgiving, and would be delighted to receive an invitation. If you’re eating out, don’t be afraid to ask the host if he/she could make room for one more. This is the time of year to be thankful! So, make sure you’re remembering those who may not have a great meal nor the family or friends to share this holiday with.

2) Try a NEW recipe that has “knock your socks off” potential

Last year, it was the pumpkin martini. This year, it will be the pumpkin cheesecake! I can’t take credit for this recipe. I can’t even take credit for finding this recipe. My neighbor brought it over for a football party we hosted, and man-oh-man, this definitely has “knock your socks off” potential!

My only suggestion on this recipe, is to make a homemade graham cracker crust. It’s so easy! Just use melted butter and crushed graham crackers. This is how my neighbor made it. Trust me. I wouldn’t do it any other way. Click here for the original recipe.

Here is another recipe for those of you who don’t cook nor host. This is super easy and a great hostess gift, if served in a pretty tin! Click here for the recipe.

Here’s another great idea I think I’ll try this year. Pumpkin Shaped Dinner Rolls! Here is a very easy recipe from Rhodes Bread!

3) Incorporate a “Thankful” Activity

It can be as simple as providing post-its and a couple of pens for your guests to write something down and display it, somewhere. (Maybe have one of the kids make a pumpkin poster that says, “We’re Thankful”)

Or, you can write a brief note to each guest and list the reasons why you are thankful for him/her.

4.) Give the Kids Something Fun to Do

I found a pretty easy craft I’ll try, this year. Here are a few that caught my eye.

I love this idea! A kids’ activity/coloring tablecloth. You can grab this kit, which comes with paper products, markers, cups, and stickers from AMAZON!

Some of the older kids may like making necklaces for the ladies. Again, AMAZON!

5.) Make Something Personalized

Sometimes, just seeing their name on something let’s your guests know you were thinking about them! Last year, I made personalized place settings with pictures of everyone! That went over really well.

This doesn’t need to be anything super fancy or time-consuming.

How about a simple place setting card that says something like, “Thankful for…”? You can also do an acronym in which you write things that you appreciate about that person. Or, how about making a personalized take-home favor such as a caramel apple?

Really, anything you can think of, to have your guests’ names visibly displayed will add the “extra” to an “ordinary” for your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Well, I hope some of these ideas may help make your Thanksgiving extra-ordinary! You have plenty of time to use some of these ideas, but don’t delay. Christmas will be here, before you know it!